To Tell or Not to Tell? - Think Atheist2016-12-09T13:42:01Zhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/forum/topics/to-tell-or-not-to-tell?commentId=1982180%3AComment%3A1007262&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=noI have a similar situation wi…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-26:1982180:Comment:10107462011-12-26T18:12:34.566ZTeri Ghttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/TeriG
<p>I have a similar situation with one of my best friends. I used to go to church with her and her family, we would pray together, and I tried to get to the 'faith level' she was on, but my constant doubt and questioning landed me as a very happy and moral atheist (hurrah!).</p>
<p>When I had decided on my sure footed path I wanted to tell her, as well as my other close friends, that I was different from them and hopefully start an intellectual discussion about it. This was until I realised the…</p>
<p>I have a similar situation with one of my best friends. I used to go to church with her and her family, we would pray together, and I tried to get to the 'faith level' she was on, but my constant doubt and questioning landed me as a very happy and moral atheist (hurrah!).</p>
<p>When I had decided on my sure footed path I wanted to tell her, as well as my other close friends, that I was different from them and hopefully start an intellectual discussion about it. This was until I realised the threat and the damage that such a outright force of conversation may cause. My friend and her family are most likely the one's who would say "but you don't have enough faith" instead of "how did you come to that decision?" I feel that they may see it as an attack on them and their belief. So I have left it, to be discussed at a different time, if they choose to bring it up.</p> I'd not send a message as it…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10072622011-12-22T19:03:22.617ZZane Gilleyhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/ZaneGilley
<p>I'd not send a message as it seems too blunt. Perhaps, after initial "Miss you"s You can tell her that you have done some serious thinking about your beliefs, and how you came about it. I see no reason for it to kill the friendship. My best friend is Christian, my wife is also, and neither of them are too pushy about it, even though I find it more and more difficult to view Christianity as an opinion neutral thing. I have seen too much damage of our society, especially our youth because…</p>
<p>I'd not send a message as it seems too blunt. Perhaps, after initial "Miss you"s You can tell her that you have done some serious thinking about your beliefs, and how you came about it. I see no reason for it to kill the friendship. My best friend is Christian, my wife is also, and neither of them are too pushy about it, even though I find it more and more difficult to view Christianity as an opinion neutral thing. I have seen too much damage of our society, especially our youth because of it.</p>
<p> Zane</p>
<p> </p> No, I don't think it is hard…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10069522011-12-22T18:11:19.976ZReggiehttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Reggie
<p>No, I don't think it is hard to miss, but it isn't blatant either. As it should be, atheism is just but a small part of who you are and your interests. Hopefully your friend sees it that way as well. I wouldn't fret too much unless your friend makes it a point of contention.</p>
<p>No, I don't think it is hard to miss, but it isn't blatant either. As it should be, atheism is just but a small part of who you are and your interests. Hopefully your friend sees it that way as well. I wouldn't fret too much unless your friend makes it a point of contention.</p> she can always join this site…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10068152011-12-22T17:06:27.147Zbob spencerhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/bobspencer
<p>she can always join this site. wouldn't hurt</p>
<p>she can always join this site. wouldn't hurt</p> If she is already interested…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10067952011-12-22T16:41:28.881ZScott A. Hunthttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/ScottAHunt
<p>If she is already interested in the topic of atheism (or was) then I don't think you have much to worry about. The conversation will come up on its own sooner or later. </p>
<p>I recently went through the same thing with a friend I had lost touch with and recently found again. She's a Catholic (and gay..I have no idea how that works) that still regularly attends service. Her reaction was a non-event.</p>
<p>If she is already interested in the topic of atheism (or was) then I don't think you have much to worry about. The conversation will come up on its own sooner or later. </p>
<p>I recently went through the same thing with a friend I had lost touch with and recently found again. She's a Catholic (and gay..I have no idea how that works) that still regularly attends service. Her reaction was a non-event.</p> When the questions come BAM!…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10064672011-12-22T09:46:26.638ZRichhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Rich164
<p>When the questions come BAM! Shoot her down! In the nicest possible way.</p>
<p>When the questions come BAM! Shoot her down! In the nicest possible way.</p> Truth or kindness? Wisdom or…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10066432011-12-22T09:17:38.713ZLewalhttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/chieflewal
<p>Truth or kindness? Wisdom or understanding? Integrity or compassion? Strive to use the former without compromising the latter. If you can't tell, remember the golden rule. If you still can't tell, remember that silence is golden.</p>
<p>Truth or kindness? Wisdom or understanding? Integrity or compassion? Strive to use the former without compromising the latter. If you can't tell, remember the golden rule. If you still can't tell, remember that silence is golden.</p> I've had this experience with…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10065132011-12-22T06:05:36.603Zernie garciahttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/erniegarcia
<p>I've had this experience with old college friends, and they're all still my friends. It's not really a case of declaring your atheism because that only informs your lack of belief. The conversation should be geared towards your worldview or philosophy, what you actually do believe that guides your actions.</p>
<p>And this even supposes that the subject comes up. If your friendship was based upon going to church activities together, it's gonna come up. I would not make a big deal of it…</p>
<p>I've had this experience with old college friends, and they're all still my friends. It's not really a case of declaring your atheism because that only informs your lack of belief. The conversation should be geared towards your worldview or philosophy, what you actually do believe that guides your actions.</p>
<p>And this even supposes that the subject comes up. If your friendship was based upon going to church activities together, it's gonna come up. I would not make a big deal of it because it's not a big deal. </p>
<p>Having said that, don't lead the conversation with, "I can't believe I ever believed any of that nonsense." </p>
<p></p> This is true... I have a Chri…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10064282011-12-22T04:04:59.124ZCJoehttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Cara83
<p>This is true... I have a Christian friend who readily admits I actually display more confidence and seem to be better off without religion, but--strangely--she still tries to insist I "turn back to God". She doesn't believe I don't believe. But, I guess it's good she thinks I'm a better person now. HA!</p>
<p>This is true... I have a Christian friend who readily admits I actually display more confidence and seem to be better off without religion, but--strangely--she still tries to insist I "turn back to God". She doesn't believe I don't believe. But, I guess it's good she thinks I'm a better person now. HA!</p> I think she's someone who wou…tag:www.thinkatheist.com,2011-12-22:1982180:Comment:10065952011-12-22T04:03:09.381ZCJoehttp://www.thinkatheist.com/profile/Cara83
<p>I think she's someone who wouldn't be turned off by the "A-word"... I kind of hope she'll just be intrigued like she once was years ago. But you're right. I think it is important to ask the person how they define atheism, because it definitely varies... and is usually incorrect.</p>
<p>I think she's someone who wouldn't be turned off by the "A-word"... I kind of hope she'll just be intrigued like she once was years ago. But you're right. I think it is important to ask the person how they define atheism, because it definitely varies... and is usually incorrect.</p>